Marae Cookery Programme Piloted In Hawke's Bay

In a
first for Hawke’s Bay, EIT is to offer a marae cookery
programme as a national qualification.

EIT will be
supported by kuia, kaumatua and kaitakatu in offering the
Level 3 National Certificate in Hospitality (Basic Cookery)
at the Te Aranga Marae in Flaxmere and the Pukemokimoki
Marae in Maraenui.

Beginning on the week starting July 21,
the programme will run over 18 weeks. A maximum of 15
students accepted to train at each of the two venues will
learn the basics of cooking and then how to apply that
knowledge to cooking for large numbers.

“Horticulture
students work in gardens at both marae,” says tutor Grant
Sipeli, “so we will be able to demonstrate the value of
healthy eating by sourcing fresh produce grown on site.”

Students on the marae cookery programme will be taught
how to budget and how to work out portions in catering for a
large number of people. The programme is also about ensuring
the skills of kaitakatu, who prepare communal meals on
marae, are passed on to a new generation of Maori.

“We
even have one supporting us by enrolling in the course,”
says Grant, who mentored fellow culinary students when he
was completing his qualification at EIT. Born in Auckland to
Niuean parents, he has taught Maori youth as a diving
instructor and has five Maori grandchildren.

“I am
really looking forward to teaching the programme and giving
something back to the community.

Once it gets up and
running, it is going to have a very positive
impact.”

Each marae is assigning a kaumatua to guide
students on the protocol for serving food on a marae –
tikanga which will include welcoming manuhiri (visitors) and
the order of service.

After completing his Diploma in
Professional Chef Practice at EIT, Grant worked at Craggy
Range’s Terroir restaurant.

If it proves a success, the
pilot programme is expected to become a regular EIT
offering. It will also be offered next semester at two
venues on the East Coast.

A Level 3 qualification, the
National Certificate in Hospitality provides a pathway to
Level 4 professional chef practice programmes at
EIT.

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